Translated by Jesús Ronquillo / Circuito Frontera
On Friday, October 27th, a video documented how a unit of the Dirección de Seguridad Vial ran over a dog and did not stop to provide assistance. Municipal authorities reported that the officer driving the unit received 36 hours of arrest and a fine of 50 UMAS as a sanction.
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Alma Arredondo Salinas, councilor of the Ecology and Civil Protection Commission, pointed out that the agent did not take any immediate action to help the injured animal or to report the incident.
The official stressed the importance of public officials setting an example in their behavior and actions, especially in matters related to road safety and the treatment of animals.
She explained that after a series of investigations involving the Directorate of Road Safety, the State Police C7 and other relevant agencies, the agent driving the unit involved in the incident was identified.
He said that the agent was sanctioned with 36 hours of arrest and is off patrol, while a more detailed review of his conduct is carried out by Internal Affairs.
While the fine imposed on the officer was 50 UMAS (Unidad de Medida y Actualizacion), which corresponds to 5 thousand 187 pesos, since according to INEGI, the value of the UMA in this 2023 is 103.74 pesos.
In addition, the Ecology Commission took action regarding the incident, since it was considered a case of animal mistreatment.
The councilwoman pointed out that, according to the law, the sanction for animal mistreatment can reach up to 50 Unidades de Medida y Actualizacion (UMAs). However, due to the delay in identifying the responsible agent, the notification of the sanction was barely made.
He emphasized that, from the moment he became aware of the incident, he demanded that an exemplary sanction be applied, since public officials must set an example in their actions.
“We cannot allow this type of behavior, even less so when we are public servants. We must be an example to follow in all our actions”, he stated.
Arredondo Salinas indicated that this case highlights the need to improve and change the behavior of citizens, including public officials, in relation to animal abuse and responsibility in case of accidents on public roads.
He reiterated that he hopes this event will serve as an example and reminder of the importance of taking appropriate measures in similar situations in the future, as well as exhorted the community to be aware of their responsibility and to act ethically and compassionately with animals.
